JANUARY 2020 – SOUTH AFRICA
OFFICIAL INTEREST RATE
It is important that employers note the following:
SOUTH AFRICA
Reduction of official interest rate announced
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the South African Reserve Bank has decided to reduce the repo rate. The announcement was made on Wednesday, 16 January 2020.
The repo rate is reduced by 25 basis points to 6,25% per year, effective from 17 January 2020. This means that the rate at which the SARB lends to your bank has decreased from 6,5% to 6,25%.
For employers, the official interest rate applicable to payrolls will be 7,25%, taking effect on 1 February 2020.
The definition of “official interest rate” in the Seventh Schedule of the Income Tax Act means:
- In the case of a loan which is denominated in the currency of the Republic, the South African repurchase (repo) rate + 100 basis points; or
- In the case of a loan which is denominated in any other currency, the South African repurchase rate applicable in that currency + 100 basis points.
Where a new repurchase rate or equivalent rate is determined, the new interest rate applies for the purposes of this definition from the first day of the month following the date on which that new repurchase rate or equivalent rate comes into operation.
Contact our legislation team at info@crs.co.za if you require any additional information.
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